Manchester United target Ousmane Dembele has hit back at Barcelona following claims he wanted to leave the Spanish giants.
The Catalan club's director Mateu Alemany this morning said Dembele would be sold this month after the player decided he would not renew his contract, which is set to expire at the end of the season.
He said: "It's clear that Dembele does not want to continue with Barcelona and he doesn't want to be part of our project. We told Dembele he has to leave immediately. We expect Ousmane to be sold before January 31."
A furious Dembele has since responded with a statement of his own, posting on social media: "I am 24 years old and like every man, I have flaws, imperfections. I have lived through complex moments, injuries, Covid has affected me.
"Without the slightest training session, the coach has requested me and I have always complied without question.
"Perform as well as I have always done as it is my passion. I am fully aware of my luck to dedicate myself to the most beautiful job in the world.
"My message is transparent.
"I forbid anyone to give the impression that I am not involved in the sports project. I forbid anyone to attribute intentions to me that I have never had. I forbid anyone to speak for me or my representative, whom I fully trust.
"Still under contract, I am fully involved and at the disposal of my club, my coach. I am not a man who cheats and even less a man who has a habit of giving in to blackmail."
Dembele went on to add that negotiations over a contract extension remain active, though being handled by his agent.
United have previously been linked with a Bosman move for Dembele at the end of the season.
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